1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1978 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 412 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2830 mm |
